Race Report  QTS #3 Kawana Triathlon by Ryan Marsh

Race Details
Day/Date: Sunday 13th October 2016
Distance: 400m/16km/4km     
Transition: Sunday - 5:30am-6:30am
Race Start: 08.33am    
Race Number: 1045
Race Result: 2nd Place U13 Years and 46th Overall

Race Plan & Goal:
Sunday will be second QTS Race and Super Sprint race ever. Moving up to a longer distance is challenging and I will have to ensure I know the course layout, the required amount of laps etc. I prefer the challenge of the longer distances to the short/long enticer races. I will put into practice valuable points learnt and transferred into bike training over past week from bike leg at All Schools Triathlon. As always, my goal is not to doubt myself, stop being nervous and race relaxed.

Race Report – QTS #3 Super Sprint:
Pre-race
Hydration always important for any race. Race start was 08.33am. Although a little overcast you could feel the heat from the sun already, it was going to be hot. Fluids, fluids, and more fluids for hydration before the race. Early breakfast once again, banana for added fuel, some pre race stretching and warm-up drills prior to start.

Swim
Swim is always important, as the start was for male U20 competitors I made sure once again I positioned myself next to a swimmer I considered fast and that I could chase. I also made sure I was not in a position that I would be swamped by bigger stronger swimmers and spat out the back. Overall I was happy with my swim came out 2nd in my age group, still room for improvement.

Bike
Coming out 2nd in the swim and just behind competitor 1050 who is a strong bike rider, I knew I would have to work hard on the bike leg so that I did not lose too much ground. I made sure I was out of the saddle when needed and that my head was up and looking forward at all times. This all paid off as I had a really strong bike leg, one of my best ever.
Run - At this point I knew what I had to do. I had to run the first place runner down. It wasn’t going to be easy but it was possible. Leading on to the second lap, I saw the leader 1050 and that I was getting closer each time and knew it was time to ramp it up. I picked my leg speed up and eventually had the leader around 20 seconds in front. I then tried to catch the leader, but he was about 15secs to far in front, but I didn’t give up, felt strong in the run finishing with 16min and 40sec in the run, with overall 2nd in age group.

Post-race
After the race I congratulated first and third place. I made sure I rehydrated with fluids and reduced the heart rate down.  This was then followed by an easy 5 minute cool down run and swim as it was hot. I then changed into dry clothes, waited for the presentations to commence, while keeping hydrated and claimed my second place.

Race Report:
Queensland All Schools - Kawana by Ryan Marsh

Race Details: 
Day/Date: Sunday 6th November 2016
Distance: 400m/12km/3km     
Race Start: 10.02am    (2nd Wave)  
Race Number: 553
Race Result: 11th Junior Male - 1st Sunshine Coast Region - Qualified for State Schools Triathlon Champs

Race Plan & Goal:
Sunday will be my first major School Sports Triathlon Race of this season. Knowing that there will be competitors from all different regions racing will make the race even more challenging and I knew I would have to push myself. I am happy with my performance leading up to this race and I believe I will do well and qualify/make selection for my Regional Team (Sunshine Coast Region) to compete at States in February 2017. I have been training hard for races like this. My goal is always to not doubt myself, stop being nervous and race relaxed.

Race Report – All Schools - Kawana:
Pre-race
Hydration was going to be very important today as my race started at 10:02am sharp. Although there was a mild breeze blowing the sun was out, it was hot and humid. Consequently, before the race I made sure I was hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. I had eaten early and had a banana for fuel to ensure that I would get the best possible results. 

Swim
I knew the swim was going to be important, as I am not the strongest swimmer for my age category. As I was about to start I positioned myself next to a strong swimmer on the sides of the swim start. I swam a strong swim leg, as I was told by Head Coach SCTA Toby Coote that I actually pulled some water for a change. This was good to know as in training I have been working hard to change my swim stroke to a more efficient and productive stroke.

Bike
The bike I knew was going to be hard as I would have to stay in front of the people behind me and at the same time catch the people in front of me. As I was the second wave there were lots of people already on the bike course, which made it even harder to get past people. In the bike I lost some ground to some really strong cyclists. After discussion with my coach and some pictures highlighting some poor technique and positioning I can take on board information and put into place in my next race.

Run
At this point I knew what I had to do. I had to look up, relax and work hard and chase the front runners down. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was possible. Leading onto the second lap, I started to overtake runners and pick up speed. Although hot, I picked my leg speed, eventually passing athletes form the first wave and I knew I had to go hard and finish strong.  As there were two waves it was even harder to judge placing. Provisional and Final Race Results had me in 11th place and 1st for my selection for the Sunshine Coast Region. Overall, I was happy with result would have like to have been within the top six. I now have 3 months to get ready for States next year and hopefully my result will be top six.

Post-race
After the race I congratulated the other competitors. I made sure I rehydrated with fluids and reduced my heart rate down by keeping cool. I then went for a nice and easy 5 min cool down run, rugged up. After going home I went for an easy 20 – 30 min spin with high cadence to flush out the legs form the race and cool down swim in our pool.